MobyRanks are listed below. You can read here for more information about MobyRank.

85

PSPPlaystation Illustrated

Pac-Man World 3 brings back some elements from previous games, like a butt-bounce, but also manages to include some cool power-ups that look more like something from Ratchet & Clank than a 25-year old arcade game. Not that everyone has to love this game, but when you can find another 3D platformer that is fun, true to a franchise that is already three titles old on consoles and over two decades old in the arcades, you let me know. Pac-Man World 3 is a remarkably solid platformer, and one hell of a lot of fun for Pac-Fans out there.

Pac-Man World 3 is the perfect marriage of classic arcade pellet munching combined with modern platform item collection. The combat isn’t terribly challenging but there are some decent logic and jumping puzzles, and there is an unceasing sense of awe about this game as you enter each new level. This is one of those few games where the journey far outshines the destination, and a must-own game for kids or kids at heart.

Pac-Man World 3 is the perfect marriage of classic arcade pellet munching combined with modern platform item collection. The combat isn’t terribly challenging but there are some decent logic and jumping puzzles, and there is an unceasing sense of awe about this game as you enter each new level. This is one of those few games where the journey far outshines the destination, and a must-own game for kids or kids at heart.

In honor of 25 years of ghost-dodging and pellet-chomping fun, Namco presents us with the little yellow muncher's newest 3D adventure, Pac-Man World 3. With solid platforming action and a healthy dose of nostalgic extras and special features, Pac-Man World 3 is a worthy celebration of this legendary arcade star.

Overall, Pac-Man World 3 is a good pick for the kids. If you parents want to stay up nights playing the original arcade hit, it's right there in the Extras section from the time you first load the disc. The game doesn't really try to break the mold in any way, so older fans might find it a little stale. But, the design is solid throughout, and hey, it's Pac-Man.

In the end, Pac-Man World 3 might not be an innovative platform classic but it’s an enjoyable game that is sure to please fans of the 3-D series. Without really adding anything revolutionary to the gameplay, the ability to play as the ghosts, the wireless multiplayer and the decent level variety is handled well enough that a purchase or rental might just be what the doctor ordered if you like platform games or Pac-Man.

Pac-Man World 3 basically does what it intends to do. It provides a solid platforming title that, while not really trying anything very new, succeeds in executing well-established 3D platforming mechanics. It's a good title for kids – it controls well, the levels are interesting, and the references to Pac-Man 25 years ago are respectful. Not everything comes off without a hitch (the camera being a prime suspect), but aside from that, the only other "problem" is a general lack of being a little too cozy in its kinda generic platforming. Fans of Pac-Man should check it out, as should parents looking for a good platformer for their kids.

Pac-Man World 3 comes off as a lesser-evolved platformer with good intentions. Many of the elements you've seen in hundreds of platformers are right here, except you're running around with Pac-Man assuming the leading role. The single-player mode is just long enough to attain a decent amount of interest, but coupled with the multiplayer mode it brings a slight hint of longevity. Overall, this title sadly brings no long-overdue revolution to the franchise; instead it slowly builds upon the last edition of the series hoping to strike gold somewhere beneath the platform genre.

Blitz Games has to its credit delivered Pac-Man fans a sequel with tight controls and occasionally engaging level designs. There studio has also successfully merged old and new styles, presenting in-game challenges that require you to play nicely emulated original Pac-Man levels. But despite coming out some three years after Pac-Man World 2, this sequel often lacks the visual and technical polish of its predecessor, which is disappointing.

Given that so many recent platformers have departed from a focus on maneuvering and jumping between actual platforms, Pac-Man World 3 is a refreshing reminder of this type of gameplay. Unfortunately, it does little to further the genre, instead rehashing the mechanics pioneered by other games. As a complete package, Pac-Man World 3 will be very appealing for younger gamers who are bound by the E (not even E10+) rating. Despite how easy it is, there are enough hidden pickups and collectibles to provide a fair amount of depth, but not enough to satisfy people looking for more interesting or challenging endeavors.

Pac-Man World 3 doesn't reinvent the platformer; in fact, in its adoption of so many previously established platformer features, it manages to include some of the genre's most inherent flaws. It does, however, provide an entertaining, fully E-rated experience that's been conspicuously missing as of late. Though it's most notably easy and family-friendly, Pac-Man World 3 has just enough depth to make it more than just a kid's game. But, if the rating or the difficulty level isn't a selling point for you, then there are probably other games that will be more worthwhile.

Pac-Man World 3 comes off as a lesser-evolved platformer with good intentions. Many of the elements you've seen in hundreds of platformers are right here, except you're running around with Pac-Man as the protagonist. The sad part is that once I started to squeeze some fun out what was happening, I'd find myself wrestling with a clumsy camera that makes most of the jumping in the game harder than it needs to be. This game is best used to remind classic gamers of Pac-Mac, but that's about it. Some of the multiplayer features are cool and take advantage of PSP connectivity, but these aren't show-stopping qualities. Pac-Man World 3 isn't revolutionizing the franchise at all, and that's disappointing.

Few videogame mascots possess either the history or the continued popularity of Namco's classic Pac-Man. The little yellow gobbler, whose beginnings can be traced back to a partially eaten pizza, according to series creator Toru Iwatani, has endured for more than 25 years. And like any good mascot, he has adapted to suit the changing tastes of players. But with each new iteration, some hint of the traditional wocka-wocka-surrounded maze presentation that started Pac-Mania remains. In 2002, this generation of players was introduced to Pac's latest form in Pac-Man World 2, a game that married traditional 3D platformer mechanics with Pac-style themes.

Pac-Man World 3 doesn't reinvent the platformer; in fact, in its adoption of so many previously established platformer features, it manages to include some of the genre's most inherent flaws. It does, however, provide an entertaining, fully E-rated experience that's been conspicuously missing as of late. Though it's most notably easy and family-friendly, Pac-Man World 3 has just enough depth to make it more than just a kid's game. But, if the rating or the difficulty level isn't a selling point for you, then there are probably other games that will be more worthwhile.

Few videogame mascots possess either the history or the continued popularity of Namco's classic Pac-Man. The little yellow gobbler, whose beginnings can be traced back to a partially eaten pizza, according to series creator Toru Iwatani, has endured for more than 25 years. And like any good mascot, he has adapted to suit the changing tastes of players. But with each new iteration, some hint of the traditional wocka-wocka-surrounded maze presentation that started Pac-Mania remains. In 2002, this generation of players was introduced to Pac's latest form in Pac-Man World 2, a game that married traditional 3D platformer mechanics with Pac-style themes.

Games like Pac-Man World 3 underscore the necessity of nurturing solid characters when it comes to giving long-running franchises staying power. With few novel twists on basic platformer elements and passable visuals, Pac-Man World 3’s only shot at investing Pac-Man with the charm of a Ratchet or a Clank rests with its story. It disappoints severely on that count, however, with a story befitting a throwaway cartoon character, not a veteran game hero. Even a hint of respectability in the treatment of Pac-Man as a worthy protagonist would’ve helped lessened the burden of mediocrity, and though the game still may have surprised no one, it might have managed to entertain at least a reasonable number of longtime Pac-Man fans.

Games like Pac-Man World 3 underscore the necessity of nurturing solid characters when it comes to giving long-running franchises staying power. With few novel twists on basic platformer elements and passable visuals, Pac-Man World 3’s only shot at investing Pac-Man with the charm of a Ratchet or a Clank rests with its story. It disappoints severely on that count, however, with a story befitting a throwaway cartoon character, not a veteran game hero. Even a hint of respectability in the treatment of Pac-Man as a worthy protagonist would’ve helped lessened the burden of mediocrity, and though the game still may have surprised no one, it might have managed to entertain at least a reasonable number of longtime Pac-Man fans.

Lack of replay value relegates this game to a rental. There are lots of things to unlock such as Museum which features the original Pac-Man game as well as an interview with Pac-Man creator, Toru Iwtani. It's better than nothing, but it's still nothing to get excited about.

Pac-Man's abilities include punching, jumping, climbing, rolling and gobbling. Along the way he will encounter power pellets that give him new abilities such as a form of bullet time, the power to shoot electricity from his hands and an ability to harness the powers of the ghosts. In this game, Pac-Man, who is also fully voiced, finally makes peace with a couple of his ghost nemesis, Blinky and Clyde. It's a nice touch and shows some imagination although the entire focus of this game appears to be aimed at kids and generally inexperienced gamers.

Every platforming challenge is camera related. It's sad, because there is a lot of untapped potential in Pac-Man World 3. Along with a small version of the original Pac-Man, genuinely creative and entertaining level design and some nice character abilities are wasted by a spastic, seizure-inducing camera too severe to ignore. Those who can work around the problems will have some enjoyable moments, and with just an adequate camera, Pac-Man World 3 would be a pleasant surprise for everyone. Instead, it falls into mediocrity, worthy only to those blessed with patience and a good supply of Tylenol.

Pac-Man World 3 includes a variety of power-ups and enemy-dispersing moves (pole swings, butt-bouncing and trampoline jumping), but it adds nothing new to the genre or to the Pac-Man lore. Still, it avoids completely trashing the action-platformer genre, so if you have a touch of Pac-Man fever and can't find an arcade with the coin-op machine, you might just want to check this one out.

What is new is very good, sadly the new material is in fairly short supply in Pac-Man World 3. The new powers are a welcome change but in the end each and every level feels like it could have been ripped from one of the game’s predecessors. For those who enjoyed the previous iteration then there’s probably a few hours of fun to be had, granted it will all feel very familiar. The visuals follow suit with no graphical effects that differ from Pac-Man World 2 less the newly added powers. The level design and character voices are both nicely done, but it’s not enough to save this game from its unoriginal nature. Buy this one if you haven’t played a platformer in the past decade but don’t bother if you’re a vet of the genre.

Weirdly, the dialogue is actually charming and sometimes clever, but the loose controls found in the main game also plague the arcade port to a degree, which to me, is the biggest bummer of this outing.

62

XboxGame Informer Magazine

Weirdly, the dialogue is actually charming and sometimes clever, but the loose controls found in the main game also plague the arcade port to a degree, which to me, is the biggest bummer of this outing.

Weirdly, the dialogue is actually charming and sometimes clever, but the loose controls found in the main game also plague the arcade port to a degree, which to me, is the biggest bummer of this outing.

Pac-Man World 3 kind of just treads water, never putting forth the effort to actually get anywhere. Instead, the game offers about 8-10 hours of mindless play to distract your young one. The platforming action, while solid, is just tired and used to death, failing to provide anything new. Some of the older level-inspire areas in the game are nice, but overall the game is mediocre and won't make it to the top of anyone's wishlist this holiday season.

Pac-Man is truly a bit of Americana, and we're pleased to see Namco representing him as such. There are no fatal flaws with this game, and anyone looking for easygoing platform fun will be fully satisfied. Anyone who loves Pac-Man will be thrilled. Anyone looking for something completely unique and original may be disappointed. Hopefully, Pac-Man's adventures will get another major remake on the next-gen consoles.

Graphically uninspiring and tame in nature, Pac-Man World 3 has little to offer Namco aficionados either, with only a superficial link to one of gaming’s most stellar franchises of old. A painfully routine affair then, and a missed opportunity to boot.

Overall, this game has plenty of content but simply not enough quality to be recommended, even to kids. The technical ambition is overcome by nonsensical design and a general lack of creativity. For your Pac-Man fix, both Pac-Pix and Pac 'n Roll are better options on the DS. As for 3D platformers, Super Mario 64 DS is still the only one worth playing.

Unfortunately, I can't recommend Pac-Man World 3 for the DS, especially if you have the option to play it on any other system. While I commend Human Soft for packing in as much content as they could, the single-frame stills from the console and PSP movies are no substitute for the actual movie, and the total lack of voices, especially considering the amount of humorous Pac-Man and Orson banter, is just too detrimental to the overal presentation and gameplay experience. I supposed if you don't know what you are missing you can still enjoy this game on the DS, but I would encourage you to play Pac-Pix and Pac'n Roll first. Both are far superior Pac-Man games and some of the best original DS titles going. It only goes to prove that the DS should be home to original games and not hacked up ports.

While this would be a good game to get for child who has never played this type of game before, other players should probably Rent this title. While the control of the characters is very good and there are some amusing moments in the game, there really isn't a lot else to recommend this title. The levels are overly simple and aren't very different from one another, and there isn't anything new or innovative in the game. Feeling like the countless other platform games out there, this game is destined to get lost in the mix, and that's not really a bad fate.

There's nothing very violent here. Pac-Man only fights monsters and robots that disappear in a cloud of smoke and Pac-dots when defeated. Little reading skill is required since everyone talks most of the time. There are some attempts at forced humor that kids may get a chuckle at, even if they were too young to experience Pac-Man in his heyday. They probably won't mind too much that Pac-Man's new adventure is rather average and bland. But some of the later obstacles and jumps are probably too frustrating for younger gamers. If you really want to celebrate Pac-Man's 25th anniversary with your kids, pick up one of the better DS titles like Pac-Pix or Pac'n Roll, or one of the Namco Museum compilations on all consoles where you can play Pac-Man and other great classics. Happy chomping! Happy 25th Anniversary, Pac-Man! We still love you!

An evil scientist named Erwin is trying to take over the Spectral Realm, home of the four ghost monsters Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. They can't stop him alone, so they enlist the help of their life-long nemesis, Pac-Man. Can Pac-Man and the ghosts team up and stop Erwin from taking over?

Pac-Man World 3, for anyone that hasn't been following the Pac-Man World games, is the third game in the 3D platforming series, which sees Pac-Man jumping around, chomping pills and tackling ghosts. While modern platformers seem to be moving further and further away from their roots, Pac-Man World 3 is very much a traditional 3D platformer, designed to be a fun and simple experience for kids.

There is simply no reason to grab a copy of Pac-Man World 3 for DS when there are not only better 3D adventure games on the system already (can we say Mario?), and two far better Pac-Man games as well, with Pac-Pix and Pac-N-Roll. Don’t settle for a poor Cube-to-DS port when you could have two great original designs for the Pac-Man franchise. In fact, if you are looking to fill the arcade void, go grab Pac-Man World 2 for Cube, and make sure to get a copy with Pac-Man Vs included as well. No matter how you look at it, Pac-Man World 3 for Nintendo DS is simply a poor choice. Pac-Fans can do far better.

Right, that's it. Enough is enough, Pac-Man. It's time for you to be packed off to Namco's Shady Pines Retirement Home for Rubbish Old Game Characters, where you can spend the rest of your days playing Bridge with the blokes out of Time Crisis and knocking back all the pills you like for all we care. Oh, and you can take that joke about pill popping in darkened rooms to the sound of repetitive beats with you, thanks very much.

Handing a beloved franchise to a new developer can be a very good thing, taking a series into unexpected, creative directions—Retro Studios's Metroid Primeseries, for instance, or Intelligent Systems and their Paper Mario games. But in the case of Pac Man World 3, Blitz Games may have pointedc Pac Man in a new direction (for him), but they've blocked his path with so many windmills, floating blocks, collectible items and faulty camera angles that he can't move forward. It's sad when a gaming icon known for eschewing cliches gets mired in so many of them that he becomes part of the me-tooism he originally tried to combat.